Top of the Chain

with Sheryl McMahon CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DANDY DIGGER

Sheryl McMahon’s late husband, James, founded Dandy Digger in the early 60s in Cathlamet, Washington. As the chief financial officer, Sheryl is involved in virtually every aspect of the company.

How did Dandy Digger come about?

My late husband, Jim, was a fence contractor who developed a machine for his own use that could dig in all types of tough conditions and still be fast and agile on residential lawn jobs. He dug holes on contract to help other fence companies speed up their production.

Eventually, these companies began to have him fabricate a digger of the same design he was using for their own use. He eventually became very involved in the hole contracting business over a three-state area. He was awarded recognition for his outstanding contributions to the fence industry in the Rocky Mountain chapter of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations in May 1979. Jim was always steadily improving the design of the machine and as time went on, more and more fence contractors purchased his digging units. In 1980, it became necessary to build a manufacturing facility where the family had relocated to Cathlamet, Washington, whose sole purpose was to further the design and fabrication of the Dandy Digger unit and its related equipment.

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

Busy! Tending to all aspects of operations: sales, purchasing, customer relations, accounting, and inventory control; almost everything except turning a wrench or welding!

The responsibility and in-depth commitment that is required to produce good and dependable equipment of this nature in our day and age is immense. We take great pride in our Dandy Digger family of equipment owners and always try to the professional fencer’s business. We always provide top notch customer service.

What positions have you held there?

I have been here for 28 years, starting as the payroll and accounting clerk. Over the years, I’ve taken over further positions as we have developed and grown.

Upon the death of my husband in 2018, I stepped into the leadership of our company, along with our plant manager Mike Willette, who has been with us for over 30 years. Mike’s title is CEO – Manager. Jim and I always referred to him as our adopted son.

Being raised on a dairy farm, I learned at a young age of the importance of a strong work ethic that I have used on my career path no matter the position I held. I’ve always been employed in financial positions in the government, schools, and private companies.

What are your thoughts about women in the fencing industry?

I feel this is a non-issue. If you work hard and educate yourself in the industry you are involved in, you will succeed.

What would you say to other women who are interested in getting started in the fencing industry?

Do it! Be happy in the path you choose.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I like to read, do crosswords, knit, and sew. When Jim was alive, I loved to travel with him bringing our Dandy Digger across all 50 states. What a trip!

For more information, visit www.dandydigger.com.